By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – Not In Our Town marked its 20th anniversary Tuesday night in downtown Bloomington.
Patrice O’Neill, with national Not In Our Town, said Bloomington was the epicenter for the spreading of the group’s message of understanding and equality.
“Standing up to hate and intolerance is not necessarily an easy thing. You can see what’s happening all over the world,” said O’Neill. “But this community has worked at it over time and worked through many of the prejudices that we see in our country.”
Organizer Mike Matejka said Not In Our Town gives a reference point for the community.
“People see the reference Not In Our Town, then they have to stop and think, ‘OK, are we really living up to this?’” he said.
Tuesday night’s events were primarily aimed at the youth in the Twin Cities. Matejka said that’s because it’s important to emphasize at a young age to support all people and not to discriminate.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
